Persuasive Essay On Shark Finning

Shark finning has been a worldwide issue. Approximately 73 million sharks are killed each year solely for their fins. But this number does not include the number of sharks that are killed for reasons other than finning (Raloff). China and Hong Kong are the largest importers for shark fins due to China’s cultural tradition for Shark Fin Soup (“How Many Sharks Are Killed Each Year For Their Fins?”). Shark Fin Soup was introduced into Chinese cuisine during the Sung Dynasty (AD 960–1279) but did not become incorporated into the Chinese tradition until the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644) (“The End of The Line?”). The soup was traditionally served at weddings and was a symbol of status. Today the soup is still served at Chinese weddings and large banquets …show more content…
As of 2011 it is required that every shark brought onto a boat within U.S. waters have their fins fully or partially attached to their bodies. But some states have taken an even greater stand on the matter; Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, California, and Illinois have enacted state laws that outlaw any interaction or association with any shark fins. Besides the U.S., countries such as England, the European Union, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and 15 other countries have banned the act of shark finning within their coastal waters. A total of 14 countries have even completely banned all shark fishing within their waters (“Shark …show more content…
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